Key takeaways from Cndd-Fdd ordinary congress

RegionWeek Newsletter Vol VII, Issue #235 | Monday, January 23, 2023

Dear Readers,

The ruling Party in Burundi, The National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces for the Defense of Democracy ( CNDD-FDD in french abbreviation) held its ordinary congress in the Capital city of Gitega this Sunday, after a two days session of crusade and meditation around religious message on social responsibility, human rights, and patriotism, here are the key takeaways: 

The new deputy general secretary

Senator Cyriaque Nshimirimana, former Governor of Ruyigi and current 2nd Vice-President of the Senate, was elected by the congressmen as the deputy general secretary, to replace the Honorable Joseph Ntakirutimana recently elected to serve as the President of the Parliament of the East African Community. 

Among the major decisions, there was the creation of party representation in the zones, restructuring of the organs at the provincial level, and creation of two new organs in charge of the management of programs and activities and veterans.

A word of warning

Speaking in the country's political capital, Gitega, Ndayishimiye warned against corrupt leaders in a country that is struggling to remain afloat amidst tough economic times.

"Until now, certain people claim to be leaders or executives in the government but are only stealing from the state. This is a big problem in our political party because many leaders are only proud to be from the party that won the elections when they should be good role models," said President Ndayishimiye.

President Ndayishimiye called upon credible leaders to join his party. "It is true that for a party to win, it must have many members across the country, but it must also find worthy and honest leaders across the country," the president said.

Kirundi language shall be used in all meetings

President Evariste Ndayishimiye in his speech ordered the exclusive use of Kirundi in all official executive meetings.

“In order to promote the use of the national language, from now on all public meetings and conferences will be held in Kirundi,” the Burundian head of state, Evariste Ndayishimiye, announced on Sunday evening. The minutes of the meetings "will also be written in Kirundi", added the Head of State.

Cndd-Fdd hails Rwanda’s effort but recommends the hand over to Burundi justice the exiled putschists 

In a communiqué, the presidential party recognized Rwanda's effort to "let the Burundian refugees return home" and asked the country to keep on the process. 

“the CNDD-FDD party is asking Rwanda to return to Burundi the alleged putschists exiled in this country since 2015, some 19 Burundian criminals who retreated to Rwandan soil after attacks committed in Burundi in September" reads the communiqué.

Thanks for reading,

Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief, RegionWeek